How to use Image Playground and Genmoji on your Mac

Why it happens

Image Playground and Genmoji are Apple Intelligence features that turn a description into a picture or a new emoji. They run on Macs with Apple silicon, M1 or later, once Apple Intelligence is set up. If the app is missing or won't make anything, Apple Intelligence usually isn't on yet.

How to fix it

1. Open Image Playground from your Applications folder, or press Command-Space, type Image Playground and press Return.

   Image Playground

2. Type what you'd like to see, like "a cat in a raincoat at the beach". You can also click the suggested ideas to add them.

3. Choose a style from the options in the app, then wait a moment while it makes your picture. You may get a few versions to choose from.

4. Pick the one you like and click Done. You can then share it or drag it into a document, email or message.

5. For a Genmoji, click in any text field, press Fn/Globe-E, and click Genmoji at the top right of the Character Viewer. Describe the emoji, then click Add to put it in your text.

On macOS 26 you turn on Apple Intelligence in Apple Intelligence & Siri. On macOS 27 that pane is called Siri, and you click Try Siri AI (Beta) instead of a switch.

Still not fixed?

1. App missing or greyed out? Turn on Apple Intelligence and keep your Mac plugged in and online while it downloads.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Apple Intelligence & Siri›Apple Intelligence

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Siri›Try Siri AI (Beta)

2. Check your Mac has Apple silicon. In General, then About, the Chip line should say Apple M1 or later. Macs with an Intel processor can't use Image Playground.

   General›About

3. If it says Image Playground isn't available, check that your Mac's language and Siri's language match and are supported. Apple Intelligence also isn't offered in every country or region.

   General›Language & Region

4. On a school or work Mac, or with Screen Time set up, image features can be switched off. Look in Screen Time under Content & Privacy, or ask whoever manages the Mac.

   Screen Time›Content & Privacy

5. If Apple Intelligence is on and the app still won't open or make images after an update and a restart, contact Apple Support.